Chemical question?

[12VOLTMAN]

Hi Guys,
I've been searching through old threads and reading up on proper holding tank maintenance and I'm getting more and more confused. So, I'm asking everyone to post their methods for both gray, and black water tanks. Do you use home made concoctions, or store bought chemicals? Also when do you add your treatment, after dumping or before heading out? My trailer is still new so I'd like to start off doing it right to avoid future problems.
Thanks in advance for your replies!

[Heady]

We use the orange toilet chem. 1 ounce and some water before camping and 1 ounce and some water after dumping. Works out well for us.

[bluie5]

When I bought my TT this year I read up on the Geo Method and used that to prep the tank. I also have the black tank flush on it and use that at every dump, unless someone is waiting. I use a clear elbow to see and flush until the water runs clear. I then add a couple gallons of water and a chem pack. I've read that others don't use any chemicals just lots of water.

[crocket]

We are new to camping (first trailer). I read about the sewer juice so that is what I have been using. I mix this up just before we are ready to leave and dump some in the gray water tank and the rest goes down the toilet. So far we have had no problems and it smells good. We have camped only one time when it got to 100 degrees and didn't notice anything. When we get home I usually just a water to the tanks so that they are not dry. Our camper has gotten to 100 degrees inside at home and I never smell anything. Will continue with the method unless we start to have problems. I look down the tank when we get home and the tank looks really clean.
Darla

[clutch]

Some times we use chemicals but not very often. We use a lot of water in the black tank and only use the orange stuff if we get an odor. We use our trailer for at least 6 mo a year and have never had a problem.

[troutslayer]

I really don't do anything to treat my gray tanks. I use the Sewer Solution to clean out the tanks and after cleaning out I add 1 capfull of Calgon plus one Enzyme odor control tablet and 2 gallons of water. With every cleaning, I use the black tank flusher (that came on the fiver) extensively. Every 4th or 5th clean-out I use a wand-type apparatus that I got from WalMart that attaches to a garden hose and stick it down the terlet to give it a good clean out. It seems as though there is a "build-up" on the pipe leading from the bowl into the tank that only can gets rinsed with the wand. I use Scotts RV toilet paper because it holds up to "use" and it breaks down almost instantaneously.

[Seann45]

I stopped using anything in the tanks a few years ago.. and have not noticed a difference at all.

[12VOLTMAN]

It seems that everyone is pretty much split on whether or not to use chemicals at all. It seems that the best prevention for problems is to clean the tank out to the best of your ability after using it. I think I'll try a combination of things until I figure out what works for me. And, I think I'll buy a portable tote so that I can give it a good clean out when I get home since I have a septic system in my yard. Thanks for the advice guys!

[skijlw]

We use bio-degradable septic safe chemicals. My wife has a good nose and they provide an odorless environment. We spend several months a year in both cool and hot areas and have found what works for us. We use the breakdown test on TP. Take a cup of water, drop in a sheet of TP and it should fall apart very quickly. Angel TP is one that does this. Also use a lot of water in the black tank and use a clear fitting at the drain so you can observe clean water after the flush out. This method assures you won't experience clogged drains or drain valves that don't seal properly so the liquid drains to your drain cap. We have experienced these things in the past and it is not pleasant.

[SmokerBill]

I use no chemicals, but use plenty of water and have had no problems. And I'm careful about what goes into the grey tank. (no food waste, grease, coffee grounds, etc.)